History

The company’s history in Mount Dora, Fla., dates back to 1925. That year, the agency, which eventually became Merrill Insurance Florida, was established as Sadler-Simpson, an insurance/real estate office, by Sam Sadler and Jack Simpson. The office later became Simpson-Waite, Inc., owned by Jack Simpson and Ed Waite. During the 1970s, James E. Simpson joined the partnership. After buying out the partners, he changed the name to James Simpson, Inc., in 1982.

In 1981, Kent Merrill joined the agency and worked with James Simpson until 1986, when Kent purchased the agency. In 1988, Kent Merrill changed the agency’s name to Merrill Insurance Florida. Today, Kent Merrill’s wife, Karen Merrill, and son Brett, are also part of the leadership group of Merrill Insurance which is now located in Eustis, Florida.

Keen observers will note that the name also no longer includes ‘Florida.’ The geographic distinction was dropped in order to reflect their continued growth as well as their ability to service clients residing both within and outside of Florida. As family and as a team of insurance professionals, they continue to build Merrill Insurance for future generations through firmly held core values.